Fitness program evaluation tools.

1. 26 JUNE 2016 PRB
I
n a few short years, the number
of group fitness classes held at the
Elsie Stuhr Center in Beaverton, Ore,
has doubled. It all began in 2005 after
implementing the Senior Fitness Test
(SFT) by Roberta Rikli and C. Jessie
Jones in order to establish a baseline
for interested participants. More than
100 people attended these events to
see where they rated. Once they had
the test results, they were directed to
classes based on areas of interest or
ones that provided some improvement.
The SFT is a simple, economical
method of assessing the physical
attributes that older adults need to
perform daily activities. It usually
consists of seven tests (we only used
six)—covering lower- and upper-body
strength, aerobic endurance, lower-
and upper-body flexibility, agility, and
balance. The tests can be conducted
with minimal space, equipment, and
technical requirements, making them
easy to administer in most community
settings.1
We staff members currently have
fitness test results for more than 1,500
individuals. The SFT software produces
reports for individuals and groups, both
of which can be tracked.
In the beginning we tested
quarterly to ensure participants were
maintaining functional fitness. After 6
months, we realized the need for more
dynamic balance in the classes (i.e., A-Z:
aerobics to Zumba). Shortly after adding
more aspects of balance, 75 percent
of participants either maintained or
improved their functional fitness. That
level of effectiveness has been ongoing
for the past 7 years.
In order to make sure we were
focusing on functional fitness, we evalu-
ated all of our programs in several ways:
1. Self-evaluation by the
participants
2. Evaluation of the safety and
effectiveness of the exercises
by a physical therapist
3. The SFT itself.
RE-AIM For Results
We have used the “RE-AIM” model
as a framework for consistent reporting
of research results.
The overall goal of the framework
is to encourage program planners,
evaluators, readers of journal articles,
BY ANN SATTERFIELD
Finding Fitness
Flexibility After
Why fitness testing makes a difference
50
Photos: Barbara Blum

2. PRB www.parksandrecbusiness.com 27
funders, and policy-makers
to pay more attention to
essential program elements,
including external validity that
can improve the sustainable
adoption and implementation
of effective, evidence-based
interventions. Five RE-AIM
elements refer to key steps in
translating research into action:
Reaching the target population
Effectiveness or efficacy
Adoption by target settings or institutions
Implementation—Consistency of deliver of intervention
Maintenance of intervention effects in individuals
and settings over time.2
When using “RE-AIM,” the center has shown success in
reach and effectiveness. The fitness staff, participants, and
the organization have implemented the SFT every 6 months.
Participants have been educated on the importance of
evaluating the classes to see if they are meeting their needs.
By identifying their own strengths and weaknesses, they can
choose classes accordingly.
Participants learn about lifestyle
habits that maintain or improve
health and functional ability.
We include information
about exercise, nutrition, self-
care, and medical self-care
that supports and safeguards
independent living skills.
Four Levels Of Fitness
Classes focus on different functional areas (strength,
flexibility, aerobic health, and dynamic balance), and the
center addresses four levels of fitness adapted from the
International Council on Active Aging:
1. Chair Fitness—For individuals who have not been
physically active for a while.
2. Entry Level—For those who live independently and
seek to improve overall health and well-being. These classes
are for beginners or those returning to exercise. They include
basic steps, a gentle pace, and lower intensity, and may also
include light strength and stretching exercises.
READERSERVICE#264

3. 3. Intermediate Level—For individuals who are
physically active at least twice a week and seek to
improve their health and well-being. Classes include
moderate intensity, low-impact exercise. Moderate
strength and stretching exercises and optional floor
work may be added.
4. Advanced Level—For individuals who train almost
every day, compete in a sport, or do a physically demanding
job. It includes a higher intensity, low-impact workout, a
more challenging strength and conditioning portion, and
floor work.
Growing And Expanding
The center’s staff members also have developed many
classes to improve the health of individuals with chronic
conditions. The Diabetes Intervention & Prevention (DIP)
class has enabled participants to better manage and lower
their blood sugar and A1C; increase lean, metabolic muscle
tissue; and reduce the amount of body fat (as well as improve
functional fitness). An Essential Balance and Mobility class
aims to reduce and prevent falls and injuries. With 90 percent
of 911 calls in the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue District
coming from fall-related injuries, we have tried to address
this community issue head on. We have also added a Breast
Cancer Recovery Exercise class based on the latest American
College of Sports Medicine guidelines.
We have also added a Flexibility Focus class because
several participants had very high marks in strength and
aerobic capacity, but only average marks in flexibility. Many
participants want to be in the top 95 percent in their age
group for all aspects of functional fitness.
The next step is to offer classes and programs at other
locations throughout the district in order to expand what
we have already established. The Wellness On Wheels van
is being initiated, and we hope to write about more success
stories next year.
The SFT does much more than bring new people into
the center. The program actually helps in the continuous
evaluation of classes and programs that are offered so that
the organization meets the needs of its patrons and is a
motivator for them to stay with their fitness program. PRB
28 JUNE 2016 PRB
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1 www.humankinetics.com/products/all-products/Senior-Fitness-
Test-Manual-2nd-Edition
2 www.re-aim.hnfe.vt.edu/about_re-aim/what_is_re-aim/index.html
READERSERVICE#285

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15,000 group fitness-class visits
occur each quarter.
More than 1,000 individuals
were enrolled in the group
fitness-classes in the last year.
Over 90 fitness classes a week
are held for adults ages 55 and
better with four levels of fitness.
All fitness staff members have
additional certification(s) in
teaching older adult fitness
classes.
A wide range of ages is present:
25 percent of participants are
55-65 years, 40 percent are ages
66-75, and 35 percent are ages
75 years or better.
The Senior Fitness Test has been
implemented in all fitness classes
for the past 7 years.
75 percent of participants are
able to either maintain or improve
the functional fitness levels in
six measurements of the SFT.
22 percent of participants have
just begun taking classes, 27
percent have been participating
1 to 2 years, and 51 percent
have been participating for
3 years or more.
Inclusion services for participants
with disabilities are offered.
PROGRAM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
READERSERVICE#288READERSERVICE#286